Thursday was the first time the Metro Council met at length to discuss the Community Investment Initiative, born in 2010 as a way to address a $45 billion shortfall in infrastructure funding across the Portland region. Some of the initiative's proposals landed with a thud; others were met with enthusiasm.

Once a target for development, a 26-acre parcel in central Tigard is now on the path toward preservation. Tigard is contributing $2 million toward the $5.15 million purchase price of the site, much of which is oak-covered woodland.

The committee, convened by Metro to look at whether the regional government should ask voters for money to pay for maintenance of natural areas and parks, discussed equity concerns before reaching agreement on Tuesday.

Manuel Pastor, director of the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity at the University of Southern California, makes the connection between inclusion and regional prosperity in his presentation, Looking Forward: Linking prosperity, inclusion and sustainability in metropolitan America at the Metro Regional Center, Monday, July 30.

Convened as part of the agency's Climate Smart Communities scenarios project, participants discussed how public transit, mixed use development and encouraging more hybrid cars could effectively create a greener community.

Resounding agreement on priorities for east Multnomah County communities was established this week. A unanimous vote at Fairview City Council on July 18 marked the final local endorsement of the East Metro Connections Plan. In the last three weeks, the councils of Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village and the Multnomah County Commission also unanimously voted to support the plan.

There's still time to add your voice to the Southwest Corridor Plan, as an online open house continues through July 31.

On Saturday, Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery will host "Suffragists Among Us," a tribute and dedication to Portland’s women who fought for their right to vote at the turn of the century. The event will specifically shine a light on Hattie Redmond, an African-American suffragist who helped lead the 1912 campaign that won equal voting rights for Oregon women.

Looking for adventure this week? Hop on a bike and pedal between Southwest Portland parks or travel back in time to learn about the region’s historic women's suffrage movement at Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery. The best part is, most of the events are low-cost or free, and registration can be completed online. Follow the links below for more information.

Metro is seeking volunteers to serve on the regional government's new Public Engagement Review Committee. The committee will meet twice a year and serve as a key component of Metro’s ongoing efforts to develop and implement successful public engagement processes.